Richard W. Gregory

He was the beloved husband of the late Gabriela “Gladys” Gregory; Loving father of Janet (James) Bruss, the late Daniel R. Gregory, and Mary Lafnear; Cherished grandfather of Jeffrey (Jessica) Bruss, Amy Lafnear, and Kathryn Lafnear; Dear great-grandfather of Jackson Gregory Bruss and Brody David Bruss; Dearest brother of Dorothy Rowinski and Helen Jones, and brother-in-law of Josephine Grzegorzewski; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Gregory, Roman Gregory, Clarence Grzegorzewski, Arthur Gregory, and his brother-in-laws, Henry Rowinski and Francis Jones.

He was the son of a Polish immigrant, and was a graduate of St. Florian Grade School in Hamtramck and Hamtramck High School. In his youth he enjoyed the outdoors and was an athlete particularly fond of basketball and baseball. He was drafted into the United States Army and served in the European Campaign of World War Two. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and survived pneumonia while being a Prisoner of War. He returned home to marry his sweetheart Gladys and raised their three children in their marital home in Hamtramck, in which he lived for over 70 years. He was a hard worker, often times working 60 plus hours a week as a delivery man for United Dairies and Bordens.

He was very involved with St. Florian’s Parish in Hamtramck, focusing his time on the Dad’s club, Athletics, Boy Scout Troop, Strawberry Festival, and Hamtramck Festival. He enjoyed fishing, coin collecting, walking, Belle Isle, bowling, Red Wings hockey, polka music, and Polish food. He survived cancer for over 30 years, first being diagnosed with prostate cancer and then lung cancer. He also survived a stroke and fought hard to regain his speech at the age of 95. Until he passed, he enjoyed bingo, puzzles, playing cards, and trips to the Casino. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 2-8 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI. A brief visitation will follow Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2:30 PM, until time of service at 3:30 PM, also at Resurrection Funeral Home. A reception meal will follow at the conclusion of the service on Sunday afternoon. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 2 PM. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com